-
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the
Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. Contract No.
DE-AC36-08GO28308
National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1617 Cole Boulevard,
Golden, Colorado 80401 303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov
Produced under direction of the U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Insular Affairs by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) under Interagency Agreement IAG-10-1773 and Task
No WFF4.2000.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Initial Technical
Assessment Report Ian Baring-Gould, Randolph Hunsberger, Charles
Visser, and Philip Voss
Technical Report NREL/TP-7A40-50906 July 2011
http://www.nrel.gov/�
-
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the
Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. Contract No.
DE-AC36-08GO28308
National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1617 Cole Boulevard,
Golden, Colorado 80401 303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov
Technical Report NREL/TP-7A40-50906 July 2011
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Initial Technical
Assessment Report Ian Baring-Gould, Randolph Hunsberger, Charles
Visser, and Philip Voss Disclaimer: This manuscript has been
authored by employees of the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
(“Alliance”) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 with the U.S.
Department of Energy (“DOE”). Neither Alliance, DOE, the United
States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their
employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any
legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness,
or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process
disclosed in this manuscript, or represents that its use would not
infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific
commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark,
manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply
its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Alliance, DOE or
the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and
opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or
reflect those of Alliance, DOE or the United States government or
any agency thereof. Cover photo credit: NREL/PIX 19237, 19238,
18934
http://www.nrel.gov/�
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iii
Contacts and Team Members
Department of the Interior Tony Babauta Assistant Secretary
Office of Insular Affairs U.S. Department of Interior Washington,
DC 20240 Office Phone: (202) 208-6816 Nikolao Pula Director Office
of Insular Affairs U.S. Department of Interior Washington, DC 20240
Office Phone: (202) 208-6816 E-mail: [email protected]
Charlene Leizear Director of Technical Assistance Office of Insular
Affairs U.S. Department of Interior Washington, DC 20240 Office
Phone: (202) 208-3239 E-mail: [email protected] Angie
Williams Guam Desk Officer Office of Insular Affairs U.S.
Department of the Interior Washington, DC 20240 Office Phone: (202)
208-3003 E-mail: [email protected] Jeffrey Schorr Field
Representative Office of Insular Affairs U.S. Department of the
Interior P.O. Box 502622 Saipan, MP 96950 Office Phone: (670)
234-8861 E-mail: [email protected]
National Renewable Energy Laboratory Ian Baring-Gould Technology
Deployment Manager Office Phone: (303) 384-7021/(202) 586-9136
E-mail: [email protected] Scott Haase Senior Engineer
Office Phone: (303) 275-3057 E-mail: [email protected] Randolph
Hunsberger Senior Engineer Office Phone: (303) 275-3214 E-mail:
[email protected] Charles Visser Senior Engineer Office
Phone: (303) 275-4606 E-mail: [email protected] Philip Voss
Senior Project Leader Office Phone: (303) 384-7544 E-mail:
[email protected]
-
iv
Acknowledgments
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) thanks the U.S.
Department of the Interior’s Office
Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta for his vision and leadership
in moving this energy assessment and planning process forward in
the U.S. Pacific Territories.
of Insular Affairs (OIA) for providing funding for this effort.
In particular, NREL would like to thank
NREL would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the
OIA staff: Director Nikolao Pula, Angela Williams, Charlene
Leizear, and Jeff Schorr.
In addition, NREL and the entire assessment team are grateful to
the following facility managers, directors, engineers, and
operators for their generous assistance and cooperation during the
NREL team’s site visit to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands (CNMI) and follow up discussions:
Office of the Governor: Honorable Benigno Fitial, Governor;
Esther Fleming, Governor’s Special Assistant for Administration;
and Thomas Camacho, Special Assistant
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation: Abe Malae, Wallon Young,
Gary Camacho, Almondo Santos, and Jeffrey Barr (Telesource)
Department of Public Works (DPW): Martin Sablan and Sonya
Dancoe
DPW Energy Division: Thelma Inos and Vince Attao
Northern Marianas College: Lorraine Cabrera, Geri Willis, and
Barbara Merfalen
CNMI Public School System: Rita Sablan, Peter Leau, Ed Tenoro,
and Jesse Tudela
Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas: Ivan Quichocho, Ed
Cho, and Akira Takaoka
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v
Abstract
On March 1, 2010, Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Tony
Babauta invited Governor Felix Camacho (Guam), Benigno Fitial
(Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)), and Togiola
Tulafono (American Samoa) and their staff to meet with senior
principals at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for
discussions on ways to improve energy efficiency and increase the
deployment of renewable energy technologies in the U.S. Pacific
Territories. This meeting brought together major stakeholders to
learn and understand the importance of developing a comprehensive
strategic plan for implementing energy efficiency measures and
renewable energy technologies.
Dependence on fossil fuels and the burden of high oil prices
have been a major concern for years, but never more at the
forefront than today. With unstable oil prices, the volatility of
supply, and the economic situation in the CNMI, energy issues have
become a high priority. Succinctly, improving energy security by
reducing the need for imported fossil fuels is critical to the
CNMI’s future economic development and sustainability.
Under an interagency agreement funded by the Department of the
Interior’s (DOI) Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), NREL was tasked
to provide technical assistance to the CNMI by conducting an
initial technical assessment that would detail current energy
consumption and production data to establish a baseline. This
assessment will be used to inform future analyses and studies
needed to estimate energy conservation and efficiency opportunities
and renewable energy potential for the CNMI as part of developing
an energy plan.
NREL provided an interdisciplinary team to cover each relevant
technical area for baseline energy assessments, data analysis, and
recommendations. Experts in the following disciplines traveled to
the CNMI the week of December 6-10, 2010 and evaluated the
following opportunities:
• Integrated Wind-Diesel Generation
• Transmission and Distribution
• Energy Efficiency and Building Technologies
• Solar Technologies
• Biomass and Waste-to-Energy
• Geothermal. In addition to the above core disciplines, team
capabilities also included expertise in program analysis; project
financing; policy and energy project planning; and energy committee
facilitation.
The intent of the visit was to gather information about the
current energy situation and determine opportunities for
improvement. This information will be used to develop various
scenarios and approaches for deploying cost-effective energy
efficiency and renewable energy technologies in a manner that will
meet the CNMI’s objective to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The
information compiled in this energy assessment report will be used
as input in the development of a strategic energy plan.
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vi
Executive Summary
This document is an initial energy assessment for the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the first of
many steps in developing a comprehensive energy strategy. The
project plan for the CNMI includes three main objectives:
1. Assist in establishing an Energy Task Force to address energy
issues, identify barriers and opportunities, and establish
priorities.
2. Gather available information and publish an initial island
assessment report to establish a baseline and identify energy
efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
3. Support the Energy Task Force in developing a draft strategic
energy plan that will provide the CNMI with various scenarios and
approaches to implementing cost-effective energy efficiency and
renewable energy technologies in a manner that will meet the CNMI’s
objective to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.
This report meets the second objective of establishing a
baseline and identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs. A
baseline gathers various data points to establish a reference
against which progress can be measured. It allows comparison across
sectors through trend identification and serves as a tool for goal
setting and measuring success.
The information compiled in this assessment will be used as
input in the development of a strategic plan draft to meet the
third project objective. This document summarizes data collected
regarding energy production, consumption, and efficiencies,
discusses renewable energy and energy efficiency technology
potential, and describes current opportunities and potential
barriers. Additional data or analysis needed is documented in the
“Next Steps” sections. The opportunities highlighted in this report
can be used as a starting point to formulate an energy plan. Table
1 highlights current energy efficiency and renewable energy
opportunities and corresponding estimated impact potential.
Table 1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Opportunities
and Potential Impacts
Opportunity Description Impact Potential Create a strategic plan
to set goals, determine priorities, and develop strategies to
finance and implement energy conservation, energy efficiency, and
renewable energy on all three main islands
High
Drill geothermal gradient test well(s) to assess the existence
of a geothermal resource
High (if a developable geothermal resource is discovered)
Perform energy and water audits for commercial, government, and
residential buildings to prioritize areas for efficiency
improvements
Medium - High
Provide energy efficiency training for builders, developers,
designers, and trades
Medium - High
Conduct assessment of the wind and solar resource to determine
potential and specific locations for development
Medium - High
Design and initiate a cool-roof program Medium - High Assess the
potential for solar hot water heating in different sectors and
develop a program pursuant to PL 15-26
Medium - High
Increase energy awareness through island campaigns Medium -
High
Develop and increase awareness of financing mechanisms Medium -
High
Perform waste characterization and analysis of waste-to-energy
opportunities
Medium
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vii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air
Conditioning Engineers
Btu British thermal unit
CNMI Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
CRRC Cool Roof Rating Council
CUC Commonwealth Utilities Corporation
DEQ Division of Environmental Quality
DOD Department of Defense
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
DOI U.S. Department of Interior
DPW Department of Public Works
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EBT Environmental Beautification Tax
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
GPA Guam Power Authority
HANMI Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands
HECO Hawaiian Electric Company
HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
IBB International Broadcasting Bureau
IBC International Building Code
IBM Izu-Bonin-Mariana
IPP independent power producer
km2 kilometer squared
kWh kilowatt hour
kWh/gal kilowatt hour/gallon
kVA kilovolt-ampere
lb. pound
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viii
LBA Leaseback Area
LEAC Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LFG landfill gas
m meter
MBtu/bbl million British thermal units per billon bar
MECO Maui Electric Company
mi2 mile squared
MLA Military Lease Area
mm millimeter
MSW municipal solid waste
MSWF Marpi Solid Waste Facility
MW megawatt
MWe megawatt electric
MWh megawatt hour
NMC Northern Marianas College
NMHA Northern Mariana Housing Authority
NMTI Northern Marianas Trades Institute
NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
OIA Office of Insular Affairs
PL Public Law
PPA Power Purchase Agreement
PRD Puerto Rico Dump
PSS Public School System
PUC Public Utilities Commission
PV photovoltaic
REC renewable energy credit
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ix
RFP Request for Proposals
RPM revolutions per minute
RPS renewable portfolio standard
SMU Southern Methodist University
SWMD Solid Waste Management Department
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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x
Table of Contents
Contacts and Team
Members.....................................................................................................................
iii
Acknowledgments......................................................................................................................................
iv
Abstract
.......................................................................................................................................................
v
Executive Summary
...................................................................................................................................
vi
Acronyms and Abbreviations
...................................................................................................................
vii
Table of Contents
........................................................................................................................................
x
List of Figures
..........................................................................................................................................
xiii
List of Tables
...........................................................................................................................................
xiv
1 Methodology
........................................................................................................................................
1
1.1 Approach
......................................................................................................................................
1
1.2 Background
..................................................................................................................................
2
2 Establishing a Baseline
........................................................................................................................
5
2.1 Overall Fossil Fuel Energy Use
...................................................................................................
5
2.2 Electrical Energy
..........................................................................................................................
5
2.2.1 Electrical Generation
............................................................................................................
5
2.2.2 Energy End-use
...................................................................................................................
10
2.2.3 End-use for Commercial Sector
..........................................................................................
11
2.2.4 End-use for Residential
Sector............................................................................................
12
2.2.5 End-use for Government
Sector..........................................................................................
13
2.2.6 Water
...................................................................................................................................
14
2.2.7 Renewable Energy
..............................................................................................................
14
2.3 Energy Policy
.............................................................................................................................
15
2.3.1 Net Metering
.......................................................................................................................
15
2.3.2 Renewable Portfolio Standard
............................................................................................
15
2.3.3 Government Energy Efficiency
..........................................................................................
16
2.3.4 Building Energy Codes
.......................................................................................................
16
2.3.5 Residential Solar Water Heating
.........................................................................................
17
2.3.6 Clean Energy Transportation
..............................................................................................
17
2.4 Solid Waste
................................................................................................................................
17
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xi
2.4.1 Refuse Transfer Station
.......................................................................................................
18
2.4.2 Marpi Solid Waste Facility
.................................................................................................
18
2.4.3 Recycling
............................................................................................................................
18
2.4.4 Solid Waste Generation Characterization
...........................................................................
19
2.4.5 Economics
...........................................................................................................................
20
2.5 Transportation
............................................................................................................................
21
3 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Opportunities
.................................................................
22
3.1 Energy Conservation and Efficiency
..........................................................................................
22
3.1.1 Education and Outreach
......................................................................................................
22
3.1.2 Create an Energy and Water Audit Program
......................................................................
23
3.1.3 Establish a Cool-Roof Program to Improve Efficiency
...................................................... 24
3.1.4 Consider Alternative Cooling Technologies
.......................................................................
24
3.1.5 Evaluate Energy Policy Opportunities
................................................................................
25
3.1.6 Next Steps
...........................................................................................................................
25
3.2 Renewable Energy
......................................................................................................................
27
3.2.1 Wind
....................................................................................................................................
27
3.2.2 Solar
....................................................................................................................................
39
3.2.3 Geothermal
..........................................................................................................................
43
3.2.4 Biomass
...............................................................................................................................
46
3.2.5 Micro
Hydropower..............................................................................................................
55
4 Workforce Development
...................................................................................................................
56
4.1 Next Steps
..................................................................................................................................
56
5 Summary of Recommendations and Conclusions
.............................................................................
57
5.1 Key opportunities
.......................................................................................................................
57
5.2 Conclusion
..................................................................................................................................
58
Appendix A. Utility Baseline Information
................................................................................................
60
Appendix B. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
........................................................................
64
Appendix C. Renewable Energy
...............................................................................................................
65
C.1. Geothermal Energy Site Assessment and Field Notes, December
6-10, 2010 .............................. 65
Saipan Tectonic Setting and Geothermal Potential
...........................................................................
65
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xii
Evidence of Geothermal on Saipan
...................................................................................................
66
December 2010 Field Observations and Assessment
........................................................................
69
Status of Geothermal Investigations
..................................................................................................
70
Next Steps in Saipan Geothermal Exploration
..................................................................................
71
Geothermal Potential Elsewhere in the CNMI Region
.....................................................................
72
References
.........................................................................................................................................
72
C.2. Geothermal Power Generation – Assessing Resource Potential
................................................... 73
Evaluation of the Geothermal Potential of Saipan
............................................................................
73
A Path Forward
..................................................................................................................................
73
C.3. Wind and Solar Measurement Equipment
.....................................................................................
76
Saipan:
...............................................................................................................................................
76
Tinian
.................................................................................................................................................
77
Rota
....................................................................................................................................................
79
Equipment:.........................................................................................................................................
80
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xiii
List of Figures
Figure 1. Assessment methodology
............................................................................................................
1 Figure 2. Map of CNMI
.............................................................................................................................
3 Figure 3. Power generation and efficiency for Saipan from 2001
through 2010 ....................................... 6 Figure 4.
Electrical power consumption by sector for Saipan, 2010
.......................................................... 7 Figure
5. Power consumption for Rota from 2006 through 2009
............................................................... 9
Figure 6. 2010 power consumption by sector in MWh
............................................................................
11 Figure 7. Commercial electric sales by end-use for Guam, 1993
............................................................. 11
Figure 8. Residential electric sales by end user for Guam
........................................................................
13 Figure 9. NREL Saipan landfill and waste photos, 2009
..........................................................................
18 Figure 10. Cool roof tiles in colors other than white
................................................................................
24 Figure 11. Island of Saipan
.......................................................................................................................
29 Figure 12. Potential wind-turbine development area on the
southern end of the Island of Saipan near the quarry and to the
south of the airport
........................................................................................................
30 Figure 13. Slight ridge to the east of the quarry on southern
Saipan that could allow the installation of a single line of wind
turbines
.......................................................................................................................
30 Figure 14. Bluff on the northeastern coast of Saipan that may be
a viable location for one or two rows of wind turbines
.............................................................................................................................................
31 Figure 15. Island of Tinian showing potential development and
wind measurement sites ...................... 32 Figure 16.
Potential measurement and wind installation site along the eastern
coast on the Island of Tinian
........................................................................................................................................................
33 Figure 17. Potential measurement and wind installation site
along the southeastern coast on the Island of Tinian, to the south
east of San Jose
.........................................................................................................
34 Figure 18. Potential development and wind measurement sites on
the northeastern end of Rota ............ 35 Figure 19. A common
solar water heating system
....................................................................................
39 Figure 20. Residential Solar Hot Water, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
............................................................... 40
Figure 21. U.S. Coast Guard housing, Honolulu, Hawaii
........................................................................
41 Figure 22: PV system schematic
...............................................................................................................
42 Figure 23. Schematic of a hydrothermal system indicating the
three essential geologic components: hot rock, fluids, and
permeability
...................................................................................................................
44 Figure 24. Typical “Run-of-the-River” Micro Hydropower System
........................................................ 55 Figure
25. Daily Load Graph - June 2010
................................................................................................
60 Figure 26. Daily Load Graph - November 2010
.......................................................................................
60 Figure 27. Map of electrical grid on Saipan
.............................................................................................
61 Figure 28. Load Profile
.............................................................................................................................
62 Figure 29. Map of electrical grid on Rota
.................................................................................................
62 Figure 30. Map of electrical grid on Tinian
..............................................................................................
63 Figure 31. Summary of CNMI Recovery Act funding by program
.......................................................... 64
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xiv
Figure 32. Volcanoes of the Mariana Arc near Saipan
.............................................................................
66 Figure 33. View of Saipan from the summit of Mt. Tagpochao,
elevation 1,554 feet ............................. 67 Figure 34.
Generalized geologic map of Saipan
.......................................................................................
68 Figure 35. Abandoned structure at Achugao Spring, Saipan
....................................................................
69 Figure 36. Island of Saipan showing potential development and
wind measurement sites ...................... 77 Figure 37. Island
of Tinian showing potential development and wind measurement sites
...................... 78 Figure 38. Island of Rota showing
potential development and wind measurement sites
......................... 79
List of Tables
Table 1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Opportunities
and Potential Impacts ....................... vi Table 2.
Employment Statistics
..................................................................................................................
4 Table 3: Basic Power System Information for the Three Main
Islands of CNMI ...................................... 5 Table 4:
Diesel Engine Statistics for Electric Generation on Rota
............................................................. 9
Table 5: Commercial RE Systems Currently Operating in the CNMI
..................................................... 14 Table 6.
MSWF Waste Characterization in 2005
.....................................................................................
19 Table 7. Diverted Material Characterization in 2010
...............................................................................
20 Table 8. 2010 CNMI Government Fuel Consumption
.............................................................................
21 Table 9. Summary of WTE Potential
........................................................................................................
48 Table 10. Economic Sensitivity Analysis of 2.6 MW Electric
Generation at Marpi Landfill – no ITC .. 49 Table 11. Economic
Sensitivity Analysis of 2.6 MW Electric Generation at Marpi
Landfill – with ITC 50 Table 12. Water Analysis Results
.............................................................................................................
70 Table 13. Example Equipment List for CNMI Wind and Solar
Resource Assessment ........................... 81
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1
1 Methodology
To clarify the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
team’s understanding of this project, the approach and background
information used for the assessment are outlined in Sections 1.1
and 1.2.
1.1 Approach Establishing the parameters of developing a
baseline provides focus for the assessment team. Certain topic
areas, such as transportation, are important to overall energy
strategies, however, were not considered in detail within the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) assessment due
to lack of data on energy use by this sector and the priority of
targeting energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
Each assessment begins with a background study of existing
information and data to understand site demographics and geography.
Human and physical geography impact energy consumption and the
success of implementation of renewable energy projects, so these
elements are essential to the types of recommendations made.
Data collection and researching previous studies allows the
assessment team to understand the current baseline consumption and
what recommendations have been made in the past. It also provides
the team with information on what energy policies, programs, or
projects are currently in place as well as understanding those that
may have been attempted or implemented previously. The data
collection process coincides with a site visit to interview
stakeholders and survey the options to be included in the
assessment. After the site visit, information is analyzed and
opportunities are identified.
Figure 1 illustrates the major components of NREL’s assessment
methodology.
Figure 1. Assessment methodology
-
2
There are many energy efficiency and renewable energy
technologies on the market today. Included within this study’s
parameters are mature technologies that are considered commercially
available and bankable. There are other technologies that the CNMI
may decide to investigate for future study, but for the basis of
this assessment, technologies included have the following
criteria:
• Commercial availability o Tested and demonstrated o Carry
warranty o Service and parts available
• Ready for immediate deployment
• Sound investment
• Financing available from private sector organizations.
It should be understood that there are a number of power
generation options potentially available to the CNMI, such as
diesel, heavy fuel oil, liquefied natural gas, modular nuclear, and
renewable energy technologies including solar, wind, biomass,
waste-to-energy, and geothermal. Each of these technologies has its
own operational characteristics, initial and operational costs,
implementation time horizon, and near and long term environmental
impacts. It also must be understood that most power generation
choices require a large investment that can impact a community for
many years. For these reasons, any technology choice should be
arrived at through a process of strategic energy analysis to help
ensure that the most appropriate choices are made for the current
and future generations of the Commonwealth. This also underscores
the importance of energy conservation and efficiency as a
cost-effective method to potentially reduce the investment needed
for electricity generation.
For the purposes of this assessment, commercial clean energy
technologies considered include energy conservation and efficiency,
wind, solar (photovoltaic (PV) and water heating), biomass, and
geothermal technologies. NREL did not assess opportunities
associated with other renewable energy technologies such as ocean
thermal energy conversion, off-shore wind, marine hydrokinetic, or
other conventional power generation technologies such as nuclear,
coal, or natural gas.
This document summarizes data collected regarding energy
production, consumption, and efficiencies based on the information
that is currently available. The report discusses renewable energy
and energy efficiency technology potential as well as current
barriers and opportunities. Further investigation is needed to
quantify the impact of specific technologies, programs, and/or
projects. Environmental, regulatory, legislative, and financial
considerations will also need to be addressed during the energy
planning and project development process.
1.2 Background The CNMI is an archipelago that consists of 14
islands located to the north of Guam in the North Pacific Ocean
(roughly 15º north and 145º east). The CNMI is an unincorporated
territory of the United States under the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Office of Insular Affairs (OIA).
The total land area of the CNMI is 464 kilometers squared (km2),
179 miles squared (mi2) with 1,482 km (921 mi) of coastline.1
Figure 2 provides a basic map of the CNMI.
1 CIA World Factbook.
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cq.html.
Accessed 6/30/2011.
-
3
Figure 2. Map of CNMI
Source: US Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs
The southern islands are limestone with level terraces and coral
reefs in areas; the northern islands are volcanic, with active
volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan. Natural hazards include
susceptibility to typhoons between August and November. The CNMI
has a tropical marine climate that is warm and humid with little
seasonal temperature variation. The typical dry season occurs
between December-June and the rainy season is between July-October.
Yearly average temperatures range between 72°F and 84°F and average
annual precipitation is 82 inches.
Most of the population, land area, economic activity, and energy
consumption can be found on the three main islands of Saipan,
Tinian, and Rota. About 90% of the population lives on Saipan,
which is the center of government and business. In 2000, Saipan had
a population of 62,292; Tinian had 3,540; and Rota had 3,283. The
Northern Islands are mostly uninhabited. The population has been
declining over the past decade; in 2000, the population of the CNMI
was 69,2212, the 2005 estimate was 65,9273, and the 2010 census
population count was 53,883.4
The CNMI is made up of a culturally diverse population; ethnic
groups include Asian (56.3%), Pacific Islanders (36.3%), Chamorro
(23.0%), Caucasian (1.8%), other ethnic origins (0.8%), and mixed
ethnicities (4.8%). In addition to English, languages spoken
include Philippine languages (24.4%), Chinese (23.4%), Chamorro
(22.4%), Pacific Island languages (9.5%), and others (9.6%). The
CNMI has a literacy rate of 97%.5
2 CNMI Department of Commerce:
http://commerce.gov.mp/divisions/central-statistics/inside-the-central-statistics-division/census-reports/.
Accessed 6/30/2011. 3 Office of Insular Affairs.
www.doi.gov/oia/Islandpages/cnmipage.htm. Accessed 6/30/2011. 4
U.S. Census Bureau.
http://2010.census.gov/news/releases/operations/cb11-cn178.html.
Accessed 8/26/2011. 5 CIA World Factbook.
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cq.html.
Accessed 6/30/2011.
-
4
The economy is driven mostly by tourism largely from Asia,
although the tourism industry has been declining over the past
decade. Total tourist visits in 1997 were estimated at 726,690; in
2007, visits had dropped to 389,345, with Japanese tourists making
up over 51% of the total. The garment industry was once a large
part of the economy, but as the industry left the CNMI, revenues
from the garment factories dropped from $826 million in 2004 to
$307.6 million by 2007. By 2010, all of the factories had closed.
The basic breakdown of total employment status is summarized in
Table 2 below. Note that this information is from 2005, and does
not reflect the current impact of the garment industry
departure.
Table 2. Employment Statistics6
Total employment (2005)
38,935 Private sector employment 32,214 Government employment
3,186 Private sector employment as a % of total 91% Government
employment as a % of total 9% Unemployment rate 8%
The Economic Census Data from 2007 indicates a total employment
estimate of 22,622, down from an estimate of 32,790 in 2002.7
6 Office of Insular Affairs.
www.doi.gov/oia/Islandpages/cnmipage.htm. Accessed 6/30/2011.
These figures do not seem to include public administration
employees, and employment statistics for some sectors are provided
as a range, rather than a specific number. Assuming that the
Economic Census Data includes only private sector employment, the
Economic Census information would seem to correlate with the OIA
data in Table 6, and illustrates a dramatic decrease in
employment.
7 U.S. Census Bureau.
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=04000US69&-ds_name=IA0700A01&-_lang=en.
Accessed 7/5/2011.
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5
2 Establishing a Baseline
Site assessments incorporate historical energy consumption data
to establish a baseline following a review of the natural and
cultural influences of the location. This section summarizes
observations from electrical generation, end-use energy consumption
and costs, and solid waste management. Additional details are
provided in the appendices.
2.1 Overall Fossil Fuel Energy Use With the exception of a few
small renewable energy projects, the CNMI is 100% dependent on
imported fossil fuels for its energy supply needs. The primary
areas of fossil fuel consumption in the CNMI are:
• Electricity production
• Transportation
• Space cooling, water heating, and self-generation by the
commercial sector (primarily hotels). Total fossil fuel import data
was not available at the time of publishing; fuel use for
electrical generation is detailed in the sections below.
2.2 Electrical Energy 2.2.1 Electrical Generation The
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) is the CNMI’s publically
owned utility, providing power, water, and wastewater services. CUC
operates and maintains power generation and distribution services
on all three main islands; however, the power plant on Tinian is
owned and operated through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a
private power provider. Transmission and distribution maps for each
island are included in Appendix A.
As part of an effort to consider the development of alternative
energy options for CNMI, the Department of Public Works Energy
Division oversaw the development of Alternative Energy Development
Program in the CNMI 8
Table 3: Basic Power System Information for the Three Main
Islands of CNMI
, which documents most of the key elements of the existing power
system on the three islands as of 2010. A summary of the document
follows in Table 3, which was updated based on correspondence with
CUC.
Saipan Tinian Rota Installed Capacity (diesel power)
69.9 MW 20 MW 4.5 MW
Peak Load 45 MW 5.2 MW 2.0 MW
Base Load 39 MW 4.7 MW 1.5 MW
2015 Peak Load Forecast (3% growth)
Current Customers (March 2011)
52.2 MW
13,208
6.0 MW
879
2.3 MW
820
8
http://gov.mp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/QUESTIONNAIRE-RENEWABLE-ENERGY5-FAQs.pdf.
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All of the electricity power plants in the CNMI are powered by
diesel fuel. CUC is currently using 22-24 million gallons of diesel
fuel per year, at a cost of more than $60 million. For the year of
2010, total fuel imported for power generation was 554,811 barrels
(23,302,062 U.S. gal) of diesel fuel. CUC has a single power cost
structure across the CNMI, which uses a graduated residential rate
starting at $0.26/kilowatt hour (kWh) (with a top tier rate of
$0.37/kWh for monthly use above 2,000 kWh); a commercial rate—as
charged to hotels—of $0.33/kWh; a government rate of $0.335/kWh;
and a non-conforming rate (for all non-conforming loads) of
$0.466/kWh. These rates are based on a Public Utilities Commission
(PUC)-set non-fuel base rate, typically in the area of $0.08/kWh
and fuel surcharge, which over the past few years year has ranged
from a low of just over $0.24/kWh to a high of more than $0.48/kWh
during the height of the oil price shock in the summer of 2008. Due
to the temperate climate, there is minimal seasonal load
variation.
2.2.1.1 Saipan Total annual electricity production for Saipan
has remained below 300,000 megawatt hours (MWh) for the past
several years, most of which is general residential and light
commercial loads. The load itself is seasonally fairly constant and
has a daily low of around 30 megawatts (MW) to a high of 45 MW.
There are 12 major hotels on the island with loads ranging from
several hundred kilowatts to 1.5 MW, however some use on-site
generation instead of purchasing power from the CUC. There are also
several large critical loads, which include the airport (~1 MW),
hospital (~0.8 MW) and the International Broadcasting radio station
(~1.65 MW), as well as some large retail shopping customers.
Historical energy production trends also provide a clear depiction
of the power sector on Saipan, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Power generation and efficiency for Saipan from 2001
through 2010 Showing large decrease in power needed experienced in
the middle of the decade and the range of power
system efficiencies, assuming a diesel heat rate of 137,143
BTU/Gal
Source: CUC
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Annual electrical production was quite stable through the first
part of the decade, and then saw a significant slump driven
primarily by the closing of the garment factories, which was
followed by a slump in the tourism industry brought on by the
global economic recession. Power generation has since stabilized at
current levels and has seen slight increases over the last two
years. Long term power growth forecasts remain low, ranging from a
low estimate of 1% to a high of 5% per year.
Total power production in 2010 was 279,270 MWh divided between
residential, commercial, governmental, and a then-fledgling
pre-paid meter program as shown in Figure 4. Based on the total
fuel consumption and power production listed above, the diesel
system efficiency of 14.01 kWh/gallon is achieved. In terms of
energy intensity, in 2010 the overall system efficiency was 9,789
British thermal units (BTU)/kWh, assuming a diesel fuel heating
value of 5.760 million BTUs per barrels (MBTU/bbl). As a comparison
to other island power systems, Hawaii’s overall system heat rate
was about 10,500 BTU/kWh9 and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ system-wide
average was about 15,200 BTU/kWh.10
Additionally, Figure 4 demonstrates that a large percentage of
the total power generation is actually non-revenue generating and
is the difference between what is generated and what is sold to the
customer. Although this figure may be relatively high, it must be
taken in context as it includes station auxiliary service,
technical and non-technical losses, and has been reduced by about
7% from 2009. Losses, both technical and non-technical, are
typically found in the electrical system, including transformers,
distribution line losses, and meter inaccuracies. Non-technical
losses include power theft, and inaccuracies in record keeping or
revenue collection. Non-technical losses, which accounted for just
over 10% of total generation in 2010, are an issue that CUC has
worked to address over the past year. Internal usage includes all
power usage required to produce power, including power use at all
CUC facilities. Finally, municipal use includes all power needs to
operate CUC’s water, wastewater and street lighting systems.
It should be understood that the fuel mix of Hawaii and the U.S.
Virgin Islands is different than Saipan, with a stronger reliance
on heavy fuel oil. As shown in Figure 3, plant efficiency (in
BTU/kWh) improved greatly between 2006 and 2009. Efforts have been
made recently to further improve the generation efficiency,
including a project currently underway to replace the turbochargers
on several of the prime diesel units.
Figure 4. Electrical power consumption by sector for Saipan,
2010
9 E-mail correspondence with Kenneth Kelly, NREL. March 2011. 10
E-mail correspondence with Adam Warren, NREL. March 2011.
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As learned in discussions with people from every sector, the
cost of power is seen as a huge obstacle for not only
standard-of-living, but also for future economic development and
job creation. Additionally, pressure from the PUC to keep power
costs as low as possible has put CUC in a position of forcing the
deferment of needed plant repairs and upgrades. Plant managers
indicate that it is difficult to justify higher power costs to pay
for plant improvements when the cost of power, largely driven by
high international oil costs, continues to result in higher
costs.
Saipan is supplied power through diesel generators located at
two power plants, both located in the central port area of Tanapag.
The main power plant, which is classified as Power Plants 1 and 2
due to different installation phases, is operated directly by CUC
and consists of six smaller (2 MW) medium speed (900 revolutions
per minute (RPM)) diesels and eight large (5 MW and 9 MW) low-speed
(450 RPM) generators. Two of the generators have been
decommissioned and several others are undergoing rehabilitation or
overhauls at the time of this writing. Diesel engine ages range
from 1971 through 1992. The plant sits on the coast, within several
feet of the water line. The third plant, Power Plant #4 (Plant #3
has been decommissioned) is also installed in the main port area
but is located on higher ground. The plant is made up of smaller 1
MW and 2 MW, 900 RPM, units. These smaller diesels represent a
large range in age from the mid 1950s to the most recent ones built
in 1998. This power plant is operated under a PPA with the private
company PMIC. For the month of November 2010, specific fuel
consumption was 14.07 kilowatt hours per gallon (kWh/gal), which is
quite good, but depending on the diesel engine, ranged from a low
of 10 kWh/gal to a high of almost 15.5 kWh/gal. Fuel costs clearly
vary with purchase data, but for November 2010 were $2.5848/gal,
resulting in an average fuel-only cost of power of approximately
$0.18/kWh. Diesel overhaul costs were estimated by CUC to be 0.4
cents/kWh produced, which brings the total diesel production cost
to approximately $0.19/kWh.
Power is provided to households on a 13.8 kilovolt-ampere (kVA)
multi-feeder distribution system with a single 34.5 kVA
transmission link between the central power plant and the Kiya
Substation in the southern section of the island. Although the Kiya
Substation has capacity for more than double its current load of
approximately 16 MW, and the total distribution system is currently
under-utilized, the absence of a more expansive high-voltage
transmission backbone may pose a problem with the implementation of
large wind turbines at specific locations on the island. This is
due to the potential need to interconnect directly to the
distribution system. A renewable energy grid interconnection
analysis may be needed to determine specific limitations or
necessary upgrades.
Saipan currently has a maximum diesel fuel storage capacity of
over 3 million gallons (when all tanks are in use), allowing for
just over two months of active fuel storage based on current
consumption, which in 2010 was 19.86 million gallons. The fact that
the fuel tanks are privately owned limits competition for fuel
purchase on the open market.
2.2.1.2 Rota Power demands for the island of Rota are much
smaller compared to Saipan. The daily load ranges between a low of
1.2 MW to a high of around 1.8 MW during peak times in the late
afternoon and early evening. The total energy production for 2009
was just over 8,672 MWh, about 4% of the power generation on
Saipan. The load in Rota is also split between residential,
government, and commercial sectors. Unlike Saipan, power demand on
Rota continues to decrease, dropping by almost 25% since 2006. This
decline, however, seems to be tapering off, with reductions from
2008 to 2009 falling only about 5%, as shown in Figure 5. At the
time of publishing, a breakout of energy consumption by sector was
not available.
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Figure 4. Power consumption for Rota from 2006 through 2009
Showing large decrease in power need over the last several
years
Source: CUC
The single power station at Rota is made up of six diesel
engines, two of which have been decommissioned. Three of the units
are rated at just less than 1 MW continuous operation while the
last is rated at 1.8 MW continuous operation. Information on these
engines is provided in Table 4 below. The power plant is located on
the far southern end of the island in the main community of
Songsong. Although very close to the water’s edge and the West
Harbor, it sits on ground about 20 feet above sea level. The power
distribution on Rota is primarily through a 4.16 kilovolt (kV)
local distribution line throughout Songsong, although Feeder 3,
which supports the airport and the community of Sinapalu, is
operated at 13.8 kV. The plant and distribution system are owned
and operated by CUC.
Table 4: Diesel Engine Statistics for Electric Generation on
Rota
Generator # Type / Model De-rated Capacity (MW)
Speed (RPM) Year
D/E No 1 Mitsui 1.5 1987
D/E No 3 Caterpillar 3516 0.6 1,200 (not confirmed)
D/E No 5 Cummins KTA 50-G3
0.9 1,800 1998
D/E No 6 Cummins KTA 50-G3
0.9 1,800 1998
2.2.1.3 Tinian Data on the power consumption for Tinian is less
available, primarily because the power system on the island is
owned and operated under a PPA contract with the Chicago-based
company Telesource. The current load is consistently between 4 MW
and 5 MW year round. The population of the island is only about
4,000 people; however, two large customers, the Tinian Dynasty
Hotel & Casino and the U.S. Government International
Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) facility make up about 50% of the total
electric
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load. At current typical occupancy rates of 30% to 40%, the
hotel has a demand of about 0.8 MW to 1 MW (the load increases to
1.5 MW at peak occupancy) while the IBB uses between 1.2 MW and 1.5
MW. Other significant, but much smaller, local loads include the
school and airport.
The Mayor’s Office is currently developing a 5-year plan that
will help define the potential for future growth on Tinian. As part
of this effort, an assessment of the energy impact of expected
future development will need to be conducted. As indicated below,
the energy infrastructure on the island greatly outpaces actual
power needs since the original plant was built at a time of very
high resort development interest.
The Telesource diesel plant is well maintained and is comprised
of five, 4 MW Wartsilla diesel gensets located in a single plant
outside of San Jose. The plant is located close to the coast at an
elevation of about 25 feet. Distribution is through four 13.4 kV
feeders; three to different parts of the community and one
dedicated to the IBB facility. As described, the diesel plant is
rated at 20 MW installed capacity, although the load is below 5 MW.
The large step size of the current diesel engines means that any
energy savings will have somewhat limited impact since a single
generator will continue to power the load.
2.2.2 Energy End-use Understanding the building stock is
important, as energy use will vary by construction type and
materials, the age and function of the building, and the type of
equipment in use. Other parameters that impact energy use are
climate, culture, and the ability to properly operate and maintain
equipment. The key to reducing energy consumption is to understand
how it is being utilized and to know where conservation and
efficiency measures can be applied. By identifying the specific
end-uses of energy, analysis can be undertaken to identify areas
where the most impactful and cost-effective improvements can be
made. Some of these improvements may be low or no cost, such as
operational changes or education, while others may require a larger
investment, such as cooling system upgrades.
Buildings in the CNMI are typically constructed of reinforced
concrete or concrete block to withstand the wind and water
resulting from frequent typhoons. Lightweight buildings that are
constructed of wood frames and older buildings with deteriorating
structures are the most vulnerable to damage or destruction.
The building portfolio on Saipan is comprised of hotels, the
airport, government buildings, schools, hospitals, factory
buildings and warehouses (mostly abandoned), commercial property,
and residential buildings, such as apartments and single-family
dwellings. The number of buildings classified within each category
is unknown; however, opportunities to reduce consumption were
identified through observations and discussions with government
agencies and the CUC.
Discussions with the Department of Public Works (DPW) Energy
Division and CUC representatives indicate that the largest energy
users in the CNMI are the public school system, hotels, and the IBB
radio stations. Most of the hotels on Saipan have their own
generators and are connected to the CUC electric grid. In times of
poor reliability or higher electricity costs from the grid, the
hotels will generate most or all of their own electricity. At the
time of NREL’s visit, most hotels were generating their own
electricity due to high costs. Most residences and commercial
buildings have air conditioning; some residences have disconnected
their hot water heaters to reduce their electricity costs.
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Figure 6 shows electrical consumption by sector for 2010 in MWh
of supplied power.11
There are some customers that would typically be classified as
industrial, such as the gravel yard, but due to the low number of
industrial customers, all such loads are designated commercial
clients.
Figure 6. 2010 power consumption by sector in MWh Source:
CUC
2.2.3 End-use for Commercial Sector Energy consumption in
commercial buildings is led by hotels, retail, and small
businesses; the garment manufacturing industry, which was
previously the largest consumer, no longer has a presence in the
CNMI. A specific break out of commercial energy end-use data is not
currently available for the CNMI. Building construction is likely
very similar to that on Guam, so for the purposes of this report, a
graph of commercial end-use on Guam is included as a representative
example. End users within commercial buildings for Guam are
reported by Guam Power Authority (GPA) as being interior lighting,
cooling, miscellaneous equipment, refrigeration, ventilation,
exterior lighting, water heating, and cooking. Electricity end-use
is broken out for commercial buildings in Figure 7.12 1993 is the
most current end-use data available.
Figure 7. Commercial electric sales by end-use for Guam, 1993
Source: Guam Power Authority
11 Commonwealth Power Corporation, June 2011. 12 Guam Power
Authority. Demand Side Management Plan. Section II. April 1993.
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The major hotels on Saipan make up over 7.3 MW of combined
electrical demand. In discussions with the Hotel Association of the
Northern Mariana Islands (HANMI), it was learned that their primary
electrical loads are space cooling (chiller systems), water
heating, and reverse osmosis for water purification. Some hotels
have implemented energy efficiency measures to reduce their utility
costs, and most generate their own electricity when it is cost
effective to do so. Improvements to generator efficiency, combined
heat and power for water heating, or use of biofuels may present an
opportunity to lower fuel costs. There may also be opportunities to
considerably reduce consumption through solar water heating,
lighting upgrades and occupancy sensors, and key-activated guest
room lighting and air-conditioning.
The second largest energy user on Tinian is the Tinian Dynasty
Hotel & Casino. Hotel management has made significant efforts
to reduce their energy use, including limited restaurant operating
hours, closing over 60% of the casino to customers, disconnecting
lights and cooling in certain areas, retrofitting lighting and
kitchen equipment, and using room-key activated systems to turn off
electrical loads in guest rooms when unoccupied. There is still an
opportunity to improve cooling efficiency by relocating the chiller
system to a central location, which is an estimated $700,000
investment; at current energy consumption and costs, the payback
for this project would be a little over one year.
With the commercial sector accounting for almost 38% of the
CNMI’s energy consumption, strategies to reduce energy use should
be identified. Energy audits can help determine specific
opportunities in commercial buildings and across commercial
sectors, and should include an examination of all energy and water
end-use systems. By understanding more about the equipment and plug
loads that are consuming energy, commercial organizations will have
better control over managing and reducing their energy
consumption.
Opportunities should also be investigated for the radio
broadcasting stations on Saipan and Tinian, although most of their
use is likely radio signal transmission.
2.2.4 End-use for Residential Sector As with specific end-use
for the commercial buildings sector, the specific end-use for
electricity in residential buildings in the CNMI could not be
determined due to lack of available data. A representative chart of
residential electricity end-use in 1993 from Guam is provided as
reference, as the end-use types are likely very similar.
In 1993, the highest energy consumption on Guam within the
residential sector was water heating, followed by air conditioning,
and household appliances, as shown in Figure 8.13
There is an affordable housing project currently under
construction in Chalan Kanoa on Saipan that includes solar water
heating for each of the residential units. This could serve as a
demonstration of the technology to encourage wider implementation
throughout the CNMI.
This tells us the best opportunities for the residential sector
have been reducing electrical use for water heating, improving air
conditioning, improving appliances, and changing to more-efficient
lighting. Recovery Act programs in the CNMI have funded efficient
appliance rebates, compact fluorescent lighting, and weatherization
projects. Further improvements could likely be made through solar,
heat-pump, or high-efficiency water heating and incentives for
higher efficiency air conditioning.
13 Guam Power Authority. Demand Side Management Plan. Section
II. April 1993.
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Figure 8. Residential electric sales by end user for Guam
Source: GPA
2.2.5 End-use for Government Sector The primary electricity
consumers in the government sector include the CNMI Public School
System (PSS), the Commonwealth Health Center, and the Francisco C.
Ada International Airport on Saipan. Specific usage data for each
government agency is not available. Most of the CNMI’s government
offices appeared to be smaller buildings or located within other
office buildings. It was also observed that many government (and
other) offices used unitary room air conditioning that could be
turned off when a room is not in use—this is a far more efficient
practice than central cooling systems.
The PSS has 20 school campuses—15 on Saipan, three on Rota, and
two on Tinian—and currently spends over $4 million per year for
electricity. Some efficiency improvements have been undertaken
through Recovery Act funding, including air conditioning upgrades
and cool roof installations, which is expected to save as much as
$1 million per year. The PSS has completed a small wind and
photovoltaic (PV) system at Saipan Southern High School through
grant funding. Recovery Act funding is now being used to replicate
this effort at 10 other schools, including some on Tinian and Rota,
although installation of wind turbines is currently on hold until
environmental studies are completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. There are likely more cost-effective efficiency
opportunities in many of the school facilities that could be
determined through energy audits. Opportunities not included in the
current efforts that should be investigated include lighting
retrofits, solar window film, insulation, dehumidification, and
refrigeration upgrades in cafeterias. Savings from the Recovery
Act-funded energy efficiency and renewable energy projects could be
used to fund energy audits and additional energy efficiency
improvements.
The DPW Energy Division, which manages the energy related
Recovery Act efforts for the CNMI, has indicated that there will be
energy audits performed for government facilities through Recovery
Act funding to identify energy saving opportunities. The Energy
Division is working to secure training for energy auditors in order
to begin the audits later this year. As the audit reports are
completed, an implementation program for the highest priority
opportunities should be developed.
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2.2.6 Water A significant amount of energy is required to pump
and treat potable water, and to collect, pump, and treat
wastewater. Reducing water consumption and improving the efficiency
of water pumping systems reduces overall fuel use and energy
costs.
Potable water in the CNMI comes from groundwater sources (wells)
and one small surface water source near the airport on Saipan. The
monthly rates for residential and commercial customers are tiered
from a low of $1.81/kgal for the first 3,000 gallons to a high of
$7.24/kgal for over 60,000 gallons. Government customers are
charged $54.30/kgal regardless of consumption.
Wastewater service is only provided on Saipan; residents and
businesses on Tinian and Rota have individual septic tanks.
Residential rates increase from $1.00/kgal for the first 6,000
gallons per month to $3.13/kgal for above 6,000 gallons. Rates for
commercial customers are relatively flat at $3.00/kgal for the
first 6,000 gallons, and $3.13/kgal above that. The government is
charged a rate of $68.00/kgal.
The total energy use for water and wastewater services in the
CNMI was not determined for this report, but should be considered
as part of the energy planning effort. Water conservation and
efficiency may significantly reduce costs for CNMI government
customers due to their very high water rates, and reduce overall
energy and fuel consumption. CUC estimates that almost 50% of the
potable water is lost due to leaks in the piping system. Repairing
these leaks and investigating opportunities to improve pumping
efficiency should present an opportunity to lower energy
expenses.
2.2.7 Renewable Energy There are a few renewable energy systems
currently installed and operational in the CNMI, and several more
in the planning phase. The exact number of commercial and
residential systems was not quantified for the purposes of this
report. Table 5 shows the known commercial systems currently
operating.
In 2009, a 2.0 kW ground mounted PV system and a 2.4 kW
Skystream wind turbine were installed at Saipan Southern High
School. This project is serving as a model for a Recovery Act
funded project to install a 2.4 kW wind turbine and 2.5 kW PV
system at 10 other public schools, including three on Tinian and
two in Rota. An additional 120 kW of wind and 45 kW of PV is
planned for Saipan Southern, also through Recovery Act funding, and
will be grid-connected and net metered. Installation of the wind
turbines for these projects is currently on hold due to U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service concerns regarding fruit bat and endangered
bird habitats.
Recent installations include a small wind and PV demonstration
project at the DPW Energy Division offices and a 54 kW net metered
roof-mounted PV system at the American Memorial Park.
Table 5. Commercial RE Systems Currently Operating in the
CNMI
Location Technology Power Output Year Installed
Saipan Southern High School Solar PV, small wind
2.0 kW PV, 2.4 kW wind
2009
American Memorial Park Solar PV 54 kW 2010
CNMI DPW Energy Division Office Building
Solar PV, small wind
2.5 kW PV, 2.4 kW wind
2010
Additional planned renewable power projects include a 211 kW
ground-mounted PV array near As Matius on Saipan, being installed
by a private company who will sell the electricity to CUC through a
power purchase agreement, and a 460 kW PV system covering a parking
lot at the Marianas Business Plaza, which will be net metered.
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15
NREL also observed several solar water heating systems on local
businesses and residences, mostly with evacuated tube collectors.
The Sandy Beach Homes Affordable Housing Project, currently under
construction in Chalan Kanoa on Saipan, includes solar water
heating for each of the 60 residential units.
2.3 Energy Policy Many states, territories, local governments,
and communities across the globe are adopting strategies that
promote increased use of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Policy is a mechanism that governments can use to provide support
for the development of programs that will advance and support
energy efficiency and renewable energy objectives. Policy
implementation can aid in market adoption and assist in laying a
foundation for a green economy while providing investors with
certainty in the local market. This can be an effective tool to
help the CNMI achieve their energy efficiency and renewable energy
goals, increase energy diversity, and decrease dependence on
imported fossil fuels.
The CNMI’s government has adopted new and modified existing
energy efficiency and renewable energy policies over the past few
years. Public Law (PL) 15-23, adopted in 2006, set forth a range of
energy policies to encourage the use of renewable energy and
incorporate energy efficiency in both the private and public
sectors. Since that time, PL 15-23 has been amended and new energy
policies have been enacted. The following subsections discuss the
energy policies currently in place in the CNMI.
2.3.1 Net Metering A net metering policy for distributed
generation was adopted as part of PL 15-23 in 2006, allowing net
metering of residential and commercial renewable energy systems up
to 100 kilowatts (kW). This policy was amended by PL 15-87 in 2007,
increasing the limit to 10 MW to allow large-scale renewable
electricity sales to CUC by independent power producers (IPPs). New
net metering customers can be added until total net-metered
capacity reaches 30% of CUC’s peak demand. Metering is accomplished
with a single, bi-directional meter. Any excess electricity
generated by the customer in a given month will be credited to the
following month’s bill and reconciled annually at a rate of 50% of
the total net metered energy rate. PL 17-34, enacted in 2011,
removes IPPs from the definition of a net metering customer,
eliminating the rate reimbursement restriction and requiring CUC to
issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select IPPs for any
large-scale renewable electric generation. Any renewable energy
system connected to the electric grid is required to meet National
Electric Code, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
and Underwriters Laboratories standards; however, interconnection
requirements are not specifically addressed.
Northern Mariana Islands Administrative Code Title 50, Chapter
11, establishes interconnection requirements and net-metering
regulations, and CUC has recently prepared a simple form for net
metering customers to request interconnection to the electric
grid.
2.3.2 Renewable Portfolio Standard The CNMI adopted a Renewable
Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2006 under PL 15-23, and increased the
requirements one year later in PL15-87, which set renewable energy
targets far more aggressive than most RPS. This law amended
previous laws with the purpose of establishing an RPS to require
implementation of renewable energy to mitigate the high cost of
diesel fuel used for electricity generation. It established a
stepped approach with an ultimate goal of achieving 80% of net
electricity sales from renewable energy by 2014.
If the CNMI is to move toward decreased fossil fuel use and
increased energy diversity, an RPS can be a very effective tool,
however, the requirements must be realistic in terms of total
renewable energy generation potential and the timeline to meet
those requirements. The following is the renewable energy
integration timeline set forth for CUC to meet as spelled out in
the RPS Goal of 2007:
• 10% of net electricity sales by December 31, 2008
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• 20% of net electricity sales by December 31, 2010
• 40% of net electricity sales by December 31, 2012
• 80% of net electricity sales by December 31, 2014.
The law includes stipulations that allow for non-compliance if
meeting the requirements is not cost effective. Currently, the CUC
is not in compliance with these goals, but has recently released an
RFP for private development of utility-scale PV systems up to 10
MW. CUC is also open to wind, waste-to-energy (WTE), and geothermal
electricity generation, and plans to pursue those technologies as
resource assessments are performed to determine their
potential.
To further support this effort, PL 15-87 requires the Department
of Lands and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Lands
to work with CUC and renewable energy developers to locate
potential sites for development, publish a catalog of lands
available for renewable energy development every two years, and
provide assistance in planning and permitting to ensure development
is expedited. The Department of Public Lands administers leases of
up to 25 years on public property. It is recommended that these
CNMI government agencies and CUC work together to determine public
lands potentially available for renewable energy development in
advance of the issuance of RFPs for renewable energy, as this is
likely to attract more interested bidders and more accurate
proposals. Additionally, PL 15-87 instructed DPW and Commerce to
develop a program to maximize use of renewables in each government
agency, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Public School System, and
Northern Marianas College. Other than the Recovery Act funding that
is providing renewable energy to public schools, the development
status of a territorial program is unclear.
2.3.3 Government Energy Efficiency There are several policy
efforts in place to encourage public building energy efficiency in
the CNMI. PL 15-23 established a requirement for the CNMI
government use of ENERGY STAR appliances and office equipment,
allowed agencies to enter into third-party finance arrangements to
improve building efficiency to ENERGY STAR performance levels, and
required new government buildings to achieve a Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. PL 16-35, enacted in
2008, suspended the LEED rating requirement for “one year from the
date that this act becomes law or until the Department of Public
Works obtains a LEED-certified professional, whichever comes
first.” LEED certified construction within the CNMI government has
not been pursued as there are currently no new government buildings
planned, and LEED-accredited personnel have not been needed.
2.3.4 Building Energy Codes In an effort to update building
energy codes and qualify for Recovery Act funding, the CNMI
government amended the regulation of the DPW, Building Safety
Division to adopt both the International Building Code (IBC)
residential and commercial energy codes and the local CNMI Tropical
Energy Code in May 2009. The specific version of IBC is not
specified, but it is assumed to be the latest version (at the time
of this writing, IBC 2009) as the Public Notice of Regulations
states: “Through the IBC bring the CNMI building codes up to date
and further empower the Building Safety Official to update as the
construction industry and its professions update.” The CNMI
Tropical Energy Code (the Code) provides reasonable and achievable
requirements for the climate and for local expertise in
construction and operation. The Code provides efficient
specifications for mechanical equipment (ventilation and air
conditioning), controls, cool roofs, and the building envelope to
supplement the IBC. Interior lighting power densities are adequate
but could be improved by reference to a newer version of the
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 code, such as 90.1-2007. During the NREL
site visit in December 2010, the code requirements were not being
enforced due to untrained code officials, builders, and trades. The
DPW Energy Division has indicated that code training has since been
provided to its code inspectors as well as local builders and
trades through Recovery Act funding, and these new codes are
currently being adhered to.
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2.3.5 Residential Solar Water Heating In addition to more
recently enacted efficiency requirements, a previous law (PL 15-26
of 2006) authorized the Northern Marianas Housing Authority (NMHA)
to either require new home loan applicants to include solar thermal
technologies into new homes, or to develop a loan program to
provide homeowners greater access to these technologies. It is
unclear whether this type of program has been developed or is
currently in place and accessible.
2.3.6 Clean Energy Transportation Article 7 of PL 15-87
established a policy to use either biodiesel or electricity
generated by clean fossil-fuel plants or renewable energy for fuel
in buses and mini-buses. The policy also requires CUC to provide at
least two electric vehicle charging stations for these vehicles. No
electric or biofuel vehicles were observed at the time of NREL’s
site visit, and as there is no public transportation system in the
CNMI, this policy has not developed into a program.
2.4 Solid Waste For many years, the primary waste disposal site
on Saipan was the Puerto Rico Dump (PRD). The PRD began as a
military dump along the shoreline of the Saipan lagoon, but due to
environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) required the CNMI to close the PRD in the early 1990s. A site
was chosen for a new landfill at the north end of the island in the
Marpi depression. According to an article by Steve Hiney and Ted
Hawley, “The goal for a new solid waste system was not only to
bring Saipan into compliance with federal environmental
regulations, but also to utilize state-of-the-art waste reduction
and diversion technologies”.14
The CNMI uses private waste collectors for residential,
commercial, and industrial waste collection. The waste haulers take
their loads to the transfer station or to the landfill; as much of
the material as possible is recycled. Currently, items such as
paper, glass, plastic, and metals are recycled at eight centers on
Saipan and one center on Tinian. There are currently no recycling
facilities on Rota. Neither Tinian nor Rota has solid waste systems
as developed as Saipan.
This eventually included implementation of diversion and
recycling programs, a new solid waste transfer station and
materials recovery facility, and a new municipal solid waste (MSW)
landfill—the Marpi Solid Waste Facility (MSWF).
In 2009, NREL met with the Acting Director of Solid Waste and
visited the Marpi landfill. At that time, the waste input to the
landfill was estimated to be about 100 tons per day. The Marpi
landfill had two cells; cell number 1 was being filled at that
time. In addition to the non-recyclable materials, the landfill
receives waste from the sewage treatment plant and the hospital.
The main electrical loads at the landfill include the leachate
pump, scales, and a small office. Diesel fuel is used for the
equipment that moves the waste onsite. The landfill operators are
investigating installation of a 100-kW diesel generator to serve
the landfill electrical loads, and are interested in small-scale
WTE plants.
NREL obtained data on waste and recycling numbers from the
Director of Solid Waste, who is also one of the authors of the
above-referenced report. Descriptions and numbers in the following
sections are derived from the 2005 report, the NREL site visit, and
various other sources, including a status report written in
2010.
14 Saipan’s Solid Waste Management System. Steve Hiney and Ted
Hawley. Government Engineering November–December 2005.
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Figure 9. NREL Saipan landfill and waste photos, 2009
Source: NREL/PIX 18940, 18943, 18941, 18942
2.4.1 Refuse Transfer Station The $4.3 million Lower Base Refuse
Transfer Station includes three structures—truck weigh scales and
scale house, office/materials recovery facility building, and solid
waste transfer building. The facility has on- and off-site access
roads and parking; an area for sorting, grinding, and storing green
waste (vegetation); and all utilities (water, sewer, power,
communications). The transfer facility is an 8,000 square-foot
building where residential and commercial vehicles can drop off
solid waste for loading into roll-off bins for transport to the
landfill.
2.4.2 Marpi Solid Waste Facility In February 2003, the Marpi
Solid Waste Facility (MSWF) began accepting waste on Saipan. The
$9.4-million facility includes site-support services (truck weigh
scales and scale house, office building, maintenance building), a
small-haulers drop-off area, a diesel electrical power generation
facility, a 12-acre lined waste management unit, a 5-million gallon
leachate storage pond, water and wastewater systems, storm water
control systems, fuel storage systems, and site access roads and
parking. The landfill is used only for disposal of MSW and other
non-hazardous waste.
2.4.3 Recycling Recycling provides a landfill diversion
opportunity, as well as a potential economic opportunity within the
commercial sector. There is considerable diversion of certain types
of waste away from MSWF on Saipan, composed of backfill (dirt and
rocks) and recyclable materials. It is not clear what is being done
with the cardboard, paper, and tires, as shipping costs to send the
material to off-island markets are quite
Sewage Sludge Wood Waste
Waste Tires Solid Waste
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high. If recycled materials cannot be used on the island or
economically shipped, they could be used for energy or liquid fuels
production. Solid waste managers and planners need to carefully
consider all of the costs and benefits of both waste-to-energy and
recycling within a unified framework. The lifecycle economics of
recycling in the CNMI need to be carefully evaluated as on-island
markets are likely to be limited and the costs of shipping overseas
may be prohibitive. A detailed waste characterization would help
determine the specific amount of recyclable material available.
2.4.4 Solid Waste Generation Characterization Very little data
on the amount and composition of the CNMI’s solid waste stream is
available. When the MSWF was being planned, garment waste was a
significant portion of the material being delivered to the PRD.
Since that time, the garment factories have closed, and garment
waste has practically been eliminated. As of 2010, garment waste
totaled only about 1,350 tons per year. Between January 2004 and
June 2004, the MSWF received and managed 19,564 tons of materials.
The composition of the diverted materials, according to the 2005
Solid Waste Management System report, is shown in Table 6.
Table 6. MSWF Waste Characterization in 2005
Item tons Jan-Jun tons/year Greenwaste 1,229 2,457 Soil 480 960
Concrete 408 816 Cardboard 318 637 White goods 74 149 Used tires 65
129 Glass 28 56 Office paper 16 33 Aluminum 12 24 Old newsprint 1 2
Plastic bottles 1 2
2,633 5,265
A report titled CNMI Integrated Solid Waste Management
System15
15 CNMI DPW-SWMD Status Report. CNMI Integrated Solid Waste
Management System. February 1, 2006 to January 31, 2010.
, which was published in 2010, provided an update on the
materials received over the previous four years. The amount of
materials received in 2010 was expected to be about 43,000 tons, of
which about 11,000 tons was diverted and 32,000 tons (87.5 ton per
day) was sent to the landfill. The diverted materials were
primarily backfill, which consists of dirt, rock, and construction
and demolition waste at 7,600 tons per year. The backfill materials
are used in the landfill for daily cover and to repair site roads.
Most of the other diverted materials are recycled. Table 7 shows
the characteristics of the diverted materials.
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Table 7. Diverted Material Characterization in 2010
Item tons/year
Backfill 7,600 Green waste 1,671 Cardboard 445 Paper 109 Tires
158 Mixed recyclables 61 Sewage sludge 480 Metals 83
Due to the difference in categorization between the two reports,
it’s difficult to make any general conclusions about the changes in
materials over the last five years. Tire collection increased from
129 tons to 158 tons, and cardboard decreased from 816 to 445 tons.
Paper seems to have increased significantly, but that could be due
to differences in categorization.
2.4.5 Economics The costs and revenue presented in this section
are derived from previously-referenced reports.
For the last few years, the Solid Waste Management Department
(SWMD) costs have exceeded income. DPW has estimated that tipping
fees collected for dumping at MSWF would need to be increased from
the current $25-$35 per ton up to approximately $137 per ton16
2.4.5.1 SWMD Income
, and self-haul fees would need to be imposed for costs to be
covered by income. This estimate has not been verified.
In 2003, PL 13-42 instituted the Environmental Beautification
Tax (EBT). This is a 0.42% charge applied to all goods entering the
CNMI. It is divided between the three major islands: 80% to Saipan,
10% to Tinian, and 10% to Rota, and is used to cover part of the
cost of waste disposal. Due to changes in the local economy,
revenue from EBT has been decreasing; the revenue for 2010 was
estimated to be $1.35 million.
The other main source of income for SWMD is tipping fees. In
2010 the tipping fee was $25 per ton, with certain loads assessed a
special handling tipping fee of $35 per ton. In practice, the
higher fee is rarely charged. In addition to commercial waste
collectors, which constitute the majority of the tonnage delivered,
many people do not have trash pick-up and thus deliver their waste
to the landfill or transfer station. Self-haul residential users do
not have to pay fees unless their load exceeds 500 pounds.
At the same time that the EBT money has been decreasing, income
from tipping fees has also been going down. In 2010, tipping fee
income was estimated to be $400,000, for a combined SWMD income of
$1.75 million per year.
2.4.5.2 SWMD Operating Costs The annual direct cost of operating
the Marpi landfill in 2010 was estimated to be $2.5 million, which
is significantly higher than the $1.75 million income from EBT and
tipping fees. The majority of these costs are fixed, meaning that
they are not dependent on the quantity of waste processed.
Materials recovery facility operations cost an additional $280,000
per year, resulting in a total loss of over $1.0 million annually.
16 CNMI Department of Public Works. Solid Waste Management
Division. Status Report. CNMI Integrated Solid Waste Management
System. Period February 1, 2006 through January 31, 2010 (Four
Operating Years).
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